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Thinking about a Thunderfunk

bradjonesbass

bradjonesbass

Mar 6, 2005
3,372
439
55
Fort Wayne, Indiana
#1
Specifically the used TFB420 that ii-v has for sale in the classifieds. I'm trying to get the scratch together to buy it. My main gig is equal parts Meters, Hendrix and Dead - a funk/blues jam band in other words - and my main axe is a G&L L2500. The head will be pushing a custom LDS cabinet with 1-12 (B&C NEO), 1-8, and 1-5.25 that is 500 watts at 8 ohms. I've read about the great pairing of Tfunk w/ accugroove cabs and my LDS was designed to be similar to the Tri-112 only with a little more mid-range grunt and less high-end sheen, so I think it will be a nice sounding rig.

I'm curious as to everyone's opinion on such. Also, any negative issues anyone has with the Tfunk, as all I read are positives :hiding:
 
#2
Very few negatives with the TF. Very well made, nice warm punchy tone. That particular model does not have a pre EQ DI. It does have a post EQ DI, and since most run that head relatively flat, that might not be a problem. There is a nice buffered pre EQ 1/4 out that does a great job feeding an external DI, if you don't like putting a DI between your bass and amp. Also, the 420's don't have the 'switch', which means that amp runs in 'tube emulation' mode all the time. The switch is pretty subtle, but does add some sparkly and clarity when the amp is pushed. Not a huge deal though.

The only thing I would be concerned about is that the amp will not be putting out its full 400 watts, since you are running into a single 8 ohm cab.

The tone of that rig (I've played similar spec'd cabs at LDS) will be fat, warm and punchy, with a tight low end, and a rather mellow (non-sizzly) top end. It should sound great for moderate sized gigs IMO.
 
#3
While the Thunderfunk as been replaced as the "amp du jour" by the LittleMark II, I still believe that the Thunderfunk is one fantastic piece of gear. Even folks that have switched over to the LMII still have great things to say about the TF.

Personally, I don't require that my amplifier be the size of a deck of playing cards, and I love the tone and flexibility of the TF. I say go for it!
 
#4
I've tried soooooooo many heads over the past 3 or 4 years and have come back to da Funk every time. This includes amps that were nearly twice as much (Aguilar DB750). I've done tube, SS, hybrids, you name it. T-funk wins hands-down for me.

As for volume at 8 ohms, the T-Funk is damn loud for it's rated wattage and rated very conservitivily. I think you will be OK with it.
 
#5
The vast majority of my gigs are with a thunderfunk 550 through an 8 ohm nl-210. I wouldn't worry to greatly about that 420 running out of steam. The (approx.) 350 or so watts I get out of my 550 will cleanly push my 500 watt 210 as hard as is advisable.
 
#6
Have a feeling it will kill. I did an outdoor gig a week ago where my TF / LDS rig ended up being the back-line for two other bands. What blew me away was not only how much headroom it had and how good it sounded. It cut thru a couple of Mesa combos like butter. But how good it sounded with the other players basses ( an OLP MM, and MIM Fender P). They are great sounding heads, and a notch above Eden IMO in the same tone family.
 
#7
That should work real well.
I'm a gear whore, and I've a/b'd my late model 420 to newer 550's, and not found it worth the upgrade in a dollar to benefit ratio-to me.
As for the 8 ohms thing...I've recently been using my tfb420 with an older 8 ohm 400 watt Mesa diesel 115, and damn if it ain't really nice and loud.

Go for it.
 
#9
bradjonesbass said:
Got to dig up the cash somewhere... and this one actually has the switch, according to the seller it's one of the first with it. I'll double check that with Thunderfunk just to be sure though. Not that it matters much, it's a great head w/ or w/o the switch from what I hear.
Click to expand...

Actually, if it has the switch, then it's one of the first 550A's that still had the 420 face plate, so that's even better. There were no 420's made with the switch.
 
#10
rjny36 said:
While the Thunderfunk as been replaced as the "amp du jour" by the LittleMark II, I still believe that the Thunderfunk is one fantastic piece of gear. Even folks that have switched over to the LMII still have great things to say about the TF.

Personally, I don't require that my amplifier be the size of a deck of playing cards, and I love the tone and flexibility of the TF. I say go for it!
Click to expand...

Count me in the above category. While I am currently 'ga-ga' over the LM, my TF isn't going anywhere. It simply sounds too good-any room-any cab. Getting a good deal on a used one simply makes for an easier decision.

Good luck!

Kim
 
#14
Another +1 on the TFB. I've also gone through a ton of heads and pre/power setups, and while it doesn't tickle my ear in the basement quite as well some of the tube preamps out there do, on the gig it flat out kills. And unlike the MarkBass stuff it won't make you think of Sting every time you see it. ;)

Unfortunately it looks like you missed the 420 in the classifieds. Keep saving though because the winter consumerism season is coming up so there will surely be a few of these up for sale before 2008 comes around.
 
#16
Brad - your band sounds fun. I dig the Meters too. I'm still happy with my 'Funk & 'Groove combination. That LDS cab ought to sound great with some Funk behind it. Where's that spare cash when ya need it?! Good luck on your hunt...

Peace,
Ken
 
#17
Mr_Dave said:
Just another post in strong support of the Tfunk :)

love that amp, sounds great with any cab, its easy to dial into a room, really responsive and really well made!
Click to expand...

Stuff... the Gadd Gang, the Section... that's what I'm talkin' about!

I think I had commented on your solo in Howlin' at the Moon a while back. Someone has been listening to Jerry Jemott, and that is a very good thing:D
 
#20
Newer grey writing too!!!
l_cda7d3d51d5aab132b2227a947175255.png
 

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